Goldfinch area structure plan passes first reading

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

The Wheatland County planning department is optimistic that developers are planning to invest in the county and set up shop in the new Goldfinch area.
The Goldfinch industrial/commercial area structure plan (ASP) was placed before Wheatland County council on Oct. 3 for decision.
“The open houses were very well attended, with 40-plus attendees, and they provided a great deal of feedback to the planners that facilitated them,” stated Colton Nickel, senior planner with Wheatland County.
“The vision of the ASP is to provide a framework for diverse industrial development and optimally-located supporting uses that are sensitive to adjacent landowners and natural open spaces, ensuring that the rural character of Wheatland County is maintained. It also aims to provide employment opportunities for residents of Carseland and is in line with the county’s strategic objectives and current market trends.”
The development covers 2,850 hectares and is located next to Carseland, situated between range roads 222 and 220, and range roads 270 and 261, bordering Rocky View County. It will expand the current west Carseland industrial site, allowing new businesses to locate within commuting distance to Calgary markets and accessing major transportation routes. Planners said introducing the ASP addresses responses to inquiries from interested parties and local residents. Open houses were held over the past year.
Studies to forecast if there would be demand for industrial development in the county showed that by 2041, there will be a demand for about 400 acres of industrial properties. Planners felt the ASP will plan for that demand; not all of the 2,850 hectares of the ASP will be devoted to commercial and industrial development.
The Goldfinch plan will be developed in phases and work around existing natural areas. Planners said careful planning will ensure environmental protection and add some attractive open space recreational corridors. The majority of the area proposed is currently designated as agricultural and there is a small tributary to the Bow River that runs through the proposed development area. There are about 50 wetland areas that would need protective conservation measures and environmental studies. Berms and fencing will be required to ensure aesthetic value and mitigate any negative risks.
“The wetland areas will be protected through supporting studies that would be required by industrial developments within the Goldfinch plan area,” said Alan Parkin, Wheatland County chief administration officer. “Furthermore, hazardous materials in particular would require mitigation plans and even more extensive technical studies to protect natural areas from their impact. Many hazardous industries also have federal standards that they must comply with, which will couple with Wheatland’s development requirements to ensure spills are prevented. Emergency management plans and other preventative and proactive planning measures will also be required prior to the sign-off of developments of a hazardous nature in the ASP area.”
The first reading was approved by council and the public hearing is set for Nov. 6 to be held in council chambers, at which time the consultant who designed the plan will be on hand and make a presentation.
“It is just first reading, so we will have much more detail and we will have the circulation done for all the landowners in the area,” said Nickel.